Hello Margaret,
Welcome to Digicamhelp.
Are there any details at all in the backfeathers? If so, you may be able to bring them out with image editing software; using levels then selecting and sharpening the area. If the area is totally washed out, ie. just plain white, there is nothing you can do except perhaps clone in the area.
You didn't mention what type of digital camera you have, but in the future, you should try spot metering. When lighting makes a subject very contrasty, meter on or near the brightest area in a scene. Although the rest of the photo may be underexposed, you would keep the detail in the white area. Underexposed areas maintain detail better than blown out (over exposed/white) areas. Detail in underexposed areas can be brought out by editing.
If your camera doesn't have a spot meter, you should still try to lock focus and exposure on or near the brightest area, when facing strong lighting conditions. Depress the shutter release button half-way, lock focus and exposure, then recompose before shooting.
The editing techniques I've mentioned are considered intermediate to advanced. We have some information and tutorials about them at the main site:
Levels:
http://www.digicamhelp.com/what-is-a-histogram/levels-histogram.htmCloning tool:
http://www.digicamhelp.com/how-to-use-a-clone-tool/Sharpening:
http://www.digicamhelp.com/learn/image-editing/image-sharpening.htmIf you need additional information, please let us know.
